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As I sit in the library, the magical volunteer-run space in our attic, I reflect on the last five years of being the Volunteer Coordinator at Nottingham Women’s Centre. The first thing I observe is how much change we have been through in that time, how adaptable and proactive the team have been and how very grateful I am!

We are incredibly lucky to have volunteers in all areas of our organisation with so many ideas and an unshakable passion for making life better for women and our community. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been asked, “Have you got 5 minutes?” and then heard some of the most incredible, ambitious ideas shared enthusiastically over a cuppa, with the Centre at the heart of them.

I have so many highlights and moments I’m proud of, and we’ve laughed an awful lot too. (One day we will do those painted boob prints we talk about often and exhibit them. It will happen!)

We weathered the storm that was the pandemic. After eight weeks of being in the role, I was back home with my daughter, trying to get to know the volunteers remotely. I quickly learnt the art of juggling! They were patient and kind, and looked at what they could do, not just what they couldn’t. The Crafty Club and Peer Support group at the time, quickly moved to Zoom, keeping their connection and support going throughout – sometimes through sharing, crafting and lots of bingo! That was special to witness! We launched the Delivery and Collections team, with new volunteers signing up to help the community access surplus food. The teamwork and flexibility was amazing and it was the start of trialling a WhatsApp group to keep in touch.

Once we were back physically into Centre life, it took time to readjust, like the unfurling of a fern. We had to be patient with ourselves and each other, as people were ready at different times for being together. We kept talking and checking in with each other, staying safe but also excited for new freedoms and opportunities to connect. We built up the groups and activities slowly and steadily, whilst keeping some online and Women Write, our poetry group, is still hybrid to this day! The Library team tirelessly worked through the generous donations we received as people had time to clear out their collections.

Then we got back into something the team do so well – making our events happen! They always manage to make women feel welcome, with a cuppa, some food and a tour of the centre. We often offer taster sessions of the many creative groups our volunteers run during International Women’s Day and Open Days. We love to go out into the community too. The Green festival every year is fantastic, so many stories shared and a chance to celebrate our Library and our Feminist Archive.

There are so many memories! Here are a handful of moments to share:

• We had the opportunity to exhibit at the Bonington gallery vitrines, the history of the Centre was time-lined, and our archive displayed alongside Reclaim the Night banners and feminist magazines, poetry and photography. On the opening night the United Voices choir sang so beautifully. A very proud moment!

• We launched the monthly Coffee and Chats, so we could offer the chance for women to meet each other and also to have a reason to step through the door for the first time, and see what we have to offer. The volunteers make the women feel at ease and create a lovely atmosphere. It’s a pleasure to be part of.

• Every year, the Women United team organise a Football tournament in memory of Tara Newbold who tragically lost her life to domestic violence in October 2016. They always have epic raffle prizes and raise lots of funds for us (a huge thank you!) The volunteers help on the day, serving drinks and grub pitch side and furiously folding raffle tickets. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

• It’ll be our third year being part of Sherwood Arts Week this month. Our Crafty Club and Quilting and Textiles group volunteers have loved the opportunity to showcase the amazing creativity from the members of the groups. These two weekly creative groups offer a space for women to come and chat, express themselves in a safe and supportive environment. If you’re in Sherwood this June, we’ll be exhibiting in the Robin Hood pub.

• We have had such a fantastic partnership with Nottingham Contemporary, where the Crafty Club have made banners, lino printed, gone for inspirational walks in the Arboretum and visited the Nottingham Contemporary exhibition together. Huge thanks to team who have bought new ideas and techniques to our amazing Crafty Club team!

There is always more I could say. However, let me leave you with what always brings a smile to my face; hearing what motivates people to volunteer: community, connection, confidence and giving back! Thank you for choosing Nottingham Womens’ Centre to share your time, energy, passion and skills with. We simply could not do it without you.

Are you passionate about supporting women and creating lasting change in our community? We’re looking for new trustees to join our board – and we’d love to hear from you.

Come along to one of our Trustee Information Evenings to find out more about what being a trustee at Nottingham Women’s Centre involves, and how you can become one.

• Wednesday 4th June, 5.30pm – 7pm at Nottingham Women’s Centre
• Tuesday 10th June, 5.30pm – 6.30pm on Zoom

You don’t need to register for the session at the Centre – just drop in! If you want to come along to the online session, please sign up here so we can send you the Zoom link.

At these informal events, you’ll:

• Hear about the work of Nottingham Women’s Centre and our impact
• Learn what it means to be a trustee (and why you don’t need to be an expert!)
• Meet some of our current trustees
• Ask questions and explore whether this could be the right opportunity for you

We’re especially keen to welcome women from diverse backgrounds, those with lived experiences of the issues we work on, younger women, and those who may not have seen themselves in this kind of role before.

But what is a board and is it even something I should consider?

Our Board sets the direction of the Centre and takes overall responsibility for what we do and how we do it. Trustees make sure we’re doing the right things for the right reasons – from making big decisions, to offering support and accountability.

Whether you’ve got specific skills to offer, have worked with a charity or women’s organisation, have lived experience, or are simply looking for a new way to get involved in something meaningful, this might be the opportunity for you. If you’re not sure, don’t worry – coming to the information evening doesn’t mean you have to apply! It’s just a chance to find out more in an informal setting and to ask any questions that you might have.

Ok, but what next?

Recruitment for new trustees is now open! Down the Trustee Application Pack here for more information.

To apply: Please email jobs@nottinghamwomenscentre.com with a short statement about why you’d like to join the board and what you’d bring to the role. No formal CV required—we value authenticity and passion as much as experience.

Deadline: Monday 30th June, 5pm.